New York Mayor Bloomberg imposes post-Sandy fuel ration

Thursday, 08 November 2012 17:39

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has ordered licence plate-based petrol rationing, 10 days after Storm Sandy ravaged the city. Fuel shortages since the storm hit have led to hours-long waiting times at pumps, and traffic chaos for commuters struggling to get to work.

Similar measures were introduced in New Jersey on Saturday and will also be enforced in New York's Long Island. Only 25% of the city's petrol stations are operating, Mr Bloomberg added.

Under the rationing system, cars with licence plates ending in odd numbers will be allowed to buy fuel only on odd-numbered days of the month; cars with even numbers at the end of their licence plates will be allowed to buy petrol on even-numbered days.

The rule will come into effect at 06:00 EDT (11:00 GMT) on Friday, the mayor announced.